Perth care home firm Balhousie seeks to fill posts due to virus

CARE: Sector was facing a recruitment crisis before Covid-19

Perth-based care home group Balhousie has launched a recruitment drive to fill more than 50 posts in response to the coronavirus crisis.

The firm said it wanted to increase its staff numbers as it anticipated some employees needing to self-isolate or take care of children.

Group chief executive Jill Kerr said the firm was offering posts on flexible terms that might suit people who have lost their jobs in other sectors such as hospitality and tourism.

She said: “We have jobs right now and are willing to train anyone who needs it.

“There are vacancies across our 26 homes, for care staff, kitchen staff and support workers in permanent, temporary and flexible positions.

“We also want to build up our bank of staff so that we have a pool of people to draw on these next crucial few months.”

She said the care sector was already facing a recruitment crisis and the coronavirus outbreak has put extra pressure on care providers.

Ms Kerr added: “We have a situation now where colleagues are having to self-isolate or they can’t come into work because of schools being closed.

“We’re reaching out to industry bodies in the hospitality and leisure sectors, and we’re keen to talk directly to workers who have been put on leave or lost their job because of the virus.”

Balhousie was established in 1991 by Tony Banks with the purchase of a care home in Kirriemuir.

It is now one of the largest care home groups in Scotland, caring for more than 900 residents.

Balhousie Care Group’s chief executive Jill Kerr.